When should an employee attending a switch be positioned during a train approach?

Positioning an employee attending a switch during a train approach at least 150 feet away, if possible, is essential for safety. This distance provides a buffer zone that helps ensure the employee is far enough from the switch to minimize the risk of injury should any unexpected incidents occur, such as a train passing by at high speed.

Maintaining this safe distance allows the employee to observe the train's approach while being in a position to react appropriately, either by signaling or executing the needed actions without being in a danger zone. This practice aligns with safety protocols that emphasize the importance of maintaining a safe working environment around railway operations, where the risks associated with moving trains can be significant.

Being within 50 feet or right next to the switch may put the employee at a greater risk, especially if the train is moving quickly. Additionally, simply being anywhere in sight of the switch does not take into account the specific safety distance needed to ensure that the employee is not in harm's way during the train's approach.